Back when the Education Freedom Account (school voucher program) was brought to fruition by the legislature in 2021, it was initially touted as a “choice” for low-income families wanting to send their children to private or home school, rather than public schools. It was originally intended for students who were already in public school, making the transition to private or home school. It was also originally intended for students whose family’s annual income was at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. That cap had been incrementally raised and has now been eliminated altogether. It didn’t take Gov. Ayotte long to sign the newly passed bill into law. 

The Children's Scholarship Fund (based out of New York), is the administrator of the school voucher program. ClassWallet doles out the money to educational providers. This includes homeschools, on-line learning, out-of-district public schools and private/religious schools. And yes, they do draw a paycheck. 

Nearly two years ago, state auditors, specifically NH’s Legislative Budget Assistant (LBA), were attempting to review and audit the Education Freedom Account school choice program. Then Education Commissioner Frank Edleblut felt the LBA should not have requested financial data that is not owned by the state (even though state dollars are used). He called it a “fishing expedition.” I can see why he wanted to hide what taxpayer money was supporting. Here is the link for the “EFA service providers,” with some examples following: 

Your child interested in taking dance lessons, including Irish step? How about learning karate/martial arts? Plenty of businesses to choose from. Perhaps your child is interested in horses, just contact a stable in Alstead, Belmont or Temple. They’ll set your child up. French horn lessons. Piano lessons. Photography school. Child needs driver training? Schools in Enfield, Goffstown, Moultonborough or Rochester. Tutors? Skiing lessons? Gunstock Area Commission received $62,738; Pat’s Peak Ski Area, $4,246; Waterville Valley Ski Area, (Sununus,) $237. Let’s not forget the Association of Pickleball Players who received $1,510 in voucher money. All happy to do so. Here’s another one with their hand out, The Prickle. Their logo is the Free Stater porcupine. Tells us all we need to know . . .

And then the state pays these places which are clearly out-of-state: 
Mid-Vt. Christian School, White River Junction, Vermont
Mahogany Bay Farm in York, Maine 
Maximum Velocity Sports Camp, Berwick, Maine
Maker Farm, Pepperell, Mass.
Paper Pie, Chelmsford, Mass. Looks to be an on-line children’s book and game store! Why would they need vouchers?

Voting has consequences. This property tax sucking program and revenue repealing bills have been brought to you by the majority party. And they have plenty more hurtful bills in store for the state! Think of that when voting at your upcoming town meetings and again in Nov. 

Before they completely take that right away . . . 

Garry Rayno from InDepthNH, wrote even more about this burdensome program.

Back when the Education Freedom Account (school voucher program) was brought to fruition by the legislature in 2021, it was initially touted as a “choice” for low-income families wanting to send their children to private or home school, rather than public schools. It was originally intended for students who were already in public school, making the transition to private or home school. It was also originally intended for students whose family’s annual income was at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. That cap had been incrementally raised and has now been eliminated altogether. It didn’t take Gov. Ayotte long to sign the newly passed bill into law. 

The Children's Scholarship Fund (based out of New York), is the administrator of the school voucher program. ClassWallet doles out the money to educational providers. This includes homeschools, on-line learning, out-of-district public schools and private/religious schools. And yes, they do draw a paycheck. 

Nearly two years ago, state auditors, specifically NH’s Legislative Budget Assistant (LBA), were attempting to review and audit the Education Freedom Account school choice program. Then Education Commissioner Frank Edleblut felt the LBA should not have requested financial data that is not owned by the state (even though state dollars are used). He called it a “fishing expedition.” I can see why he wanted to hide what taxpayer money was supporting. Here is the link for the “EFA service providers,” with some examples following: 

Your child interested in taking dance lessons, including Irish step? How about learning karate/martial arts? Plenty of businesses to choose from. Perhaps your child is interested in horses, just contact a stable in Alstead, Belmont or Temple. They’ll set your child up. French horn lessons. Piano lessons. Photography school. Child needs driver training? Schools in Enfield, Goffstown, Moultonborough or Rochester. Tutors? Skiing lessons? Gunstock Area Commission received $62,738; Pat’s Peak Ski Area, $4,246; Waterville Valley Ski Area, (Sununus,) $237. Let’s not forget the Association of Pickleball Players who received $1,510 in voucher money. All happy to do so. Here’s another one with their hand out, The Prickle. Their logo is the Free Stater porcupine. Tells us all we need to know . . .

And then the state pays these places which are clearly out-of-state: 
Mid-Vt. Christian School, White River Junction, Vermont
Mahogany Bay Farm in York, Maine 
Maximum Velocity Sports Camp, Berwick, Maine
Maker Farm, Pepperell, Mass.
Paper Pie, Chelmsford, Mass. Looks to be an on-line children’s book and game store! Why would they need vouchers?

Voting has consequences. This property tax sucking program and revenue repealing bills have been brought to you by the majority party. And they have plenty more hurtful bills in store for the state! Think of that when voting at your upcoming town meetings and again in Nov. 

Before they completely take that right away . . . 

Garry Rayno from InDepthNH, wrote even more about this burdensome program.

To close out the year, at our last meeting the Keene City Council voted to pass "Suzette's Ordinance," which has been a long time coming. This ordinance will make it so that dogs that attack and injure other dogs or people can be required to wear a muzzle when out in public for two years after the attack.

This has been about two years in the making. We worked with State Rep. to change the law at the state level so it could enable New Hampshire municipalities to pass a local ordinance like this.

I was excited that Keene would be the first in the state to pass a muzzling ordinance to protect the public from vicious dogs, but it turn's out that Dover got ahead of us, and passed its version of the ordinance back in November. I expect other municipalities will follow.

"Granite staters are suffering from a plague of illegal aliens and fraudulent asylum seekers who put a drain on our resources, thus I look forward to permanently abolishing the NH office of refugee resettlement via HB1706, and I extend my warmest welcome to ICE as it ramps up operations in NH." Rep. Travis Corcoran – Weare, who scored an “A” with the extremist group Liberty Alliance's legislative voting scorecard. 

Now according to this recent article written by Rep. David Preece – Manchester, the current regime is now setting its sights on New Hampshire to renovate industrial warehouses to be used as ICE holding facilities. One town was specifically mentioned as a human warehouse possibility . . . Merrimack. 

Just a brief overview of the “plague of illegal aliens” in NH:
As the state (and the nation) grew, many French Canadians moved to NH after the Civil War and worked in textile mills. Today, about a quarter of the state can claim French-Canadian ancestry, myself included. During the late 1800’s, more and more immigrants came to NH to work in the mills, most of them were white European immigrants.  

By the early 1900’s, NH had roughly 88,000 foreign-born people living and working here, around 21% of the population. As of 2022, the state had about 82,000 foreign-born residents, comprising 6% of the state’s population. 
Fun fact: According to American Immigration Council data they account for roughly 7% of the labor force, which includes 11.3% of the manufacturing workforce and 13.4% of all science, technology and math (STEM) workers in NH. 

Another fun fact according to the American Immigration Council: in 2022 the total household income of NH immigrants was $4.4 billion, with $3.3 billion in spending power. They paid $1.1 billion in taxes; $262.2 million to state and local government and $849.4 million to the federal government. They added $460.3 million in Social Security taxes and $128.5 million in Medicare taxes.

On the flip side, there are an estimated 9,500 undocumented immigrants in the state, which works out to be about 0.7% of the state’s total population. Hardly a “plague.” Also, 86.5% of them are of working age.

A few more fun facts: As recently as 2022, there were 3,767 foreign-born students attending NH colleges and universities. Collectively, their contribution to the economy was $161.3 million. 
According to the NH Dept. of Health and Human Services, the state has “extended its warmest welcome” to refugees from about 50 countries over the last decade. Asylum visas have been granted for citizens of specific countries including Ukraine, Venezuela and Haiti. In Keene we have an organization called Project Home dedicated to assisting with housing, employment and integration services. 

"Granite staters are suffering from a plague of Free Staters and Liberty Alliance members who have repeatedly repealed our state revenues, thus I look forward to the 2026 midterm elections, while extending my warmest welcome to asylum seekers who only want to live in peace and safety here in NH."

"Warehouses aren't supposed to be for human beings to live in. We live in New Hampshire, you know how cold it gets outside. A warehouse is not a humane place to keep people."

                  Rep. Wendy Thomas - Merrimack

In mid-November a House seat opened up due to the unexpected resignation of (former) Rep. Glenn Cordelli. The towns of Ossipee, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro will be holding a special election in 2026 to fill the vacated District 7 seat for Carroll County. The filing period ends on December 26th. If there is more than one candidate from both political parties, a primary election will be held on January 20, 2026 with the special election held on March 10, 2026. If a primary is unnecessary, the special election will be held on Jan. 20th.

This election can be the precursor for flipping state and federal seats in the mid-terms in Nov. If you are a resident of any of the three above mentioned towns and would like to see New Hampshire stop regressing and stop repealing all manner of revenue for the state, please be sure to take the time to vote on Jan. 20th. 

So far, there is one Democrat candidate for the open seat. To learn more about or to contact Bobbi Boudman, click here.

       “Elections belong to the people.” Abraham Lincoln

Please be sure to participate in this upcoming election before the NH House majority continues to make it harder to do so!

Moving along to a different topic, the state’s Republican party alleged this past summer that Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill used her position inappropriately by involving herself in a lawsuit against the state over its voter ID law.

To that end the NH Atty. General's office recently found the Councilor as having done nothing wrong by using her government email when responding to a law firm concerning the lawsuit. “This Office cannot conclude that the e-mails constituted a misuse of position or otherwise violated the executive branch ethics code. This matter is closed.” 

We’ll have to see what this conclusion by the NH Atty. General’s office does to Rep. Joe Sweeney's proposed resolution to impeach Councilor Liot Hill. She is, after all, the only Democrat on the Council . . . with the other four in the majority party.

 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ensures students with a disability are provided with a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) meant for their specific needs. Before IDEA was enacted, from 1975-1990 it was known as the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA). Congress reauthorized EHA at the end of 1990, changing the title to IDEA, with the goal of providing children with disabilities the same opportunity for education as students who do not have a disability.

IDEA is comprised of four parts: 
~Part A covers the general requirements of the law; 
~Part B covers education assistance for all children with disabilities; 
~Part C covers infants and toddlers with disabilities; 
~Part D consists of national support programs operated at the federal level. Each part of the law has stayed pretty much the same since enactment in 1975.

But IDEA expanded on the EHA, by promoting research and technology development, transitioning programs for graduated high school students and programs educating children in their neighborhood schools, rather than separate schools. IDEA supports early intervention services for infants, toddlers and their families, and gives competitive discretionary grants. 

By 2003, only 25% of deaf or blind children were educated at state institutions. As of 2006, more than 6 million children nationwide received special education services through IDEA.

Now, under the Trump regime, any and all positive gains are on shaky ground. The worry now is the possibility of removing the Office of Special Education from the US Dept. of Education and putting it into the US Dept. of Health & Human Services (can you imagine!). Also reducing federal fundings and placing tighter restrictions on federal funds. 

In New Hampshire we have two Liberty Alliance members who both scored an "A-" rating for their votes this past Session, now presenting “study” legislation. Rep. Bryan Morse of Franklin is sponsoring HB 1221 which would direct the education commission to “study costs of special education to consider establishing centralized locations throughout the state for certain special education-related services.” He’s hoping to reduce the costs for services to districts. Here’s a couple of thoughts . . .how about if the state pays its mandated share for public education for a start and y’all stop repealing sources of revenue? 

Rep. Greg Hill of Northfield is sponsoring HB 1099, to establish a “committee to study private businesses providing special and behavioral education services to school age children, and whether local school districts are receiving adequate reimbursement for special and behavioral education services that are provided.” This one bears watching, too.

In 1975 Pres. Gerald Ford signed the EHA (now IDEA) into law, when just 20% of children with disabilities were in public schools, the rest were either institutionalized in places like the Laconia State School, or lived at home with no opportunities for education. The law assured disabled children the right to a proper and free public education which helped to improve their lives. 

Parents in NH are involved in and part of the team in programs created for their child. 

Do we want the above-mentioned bills to begin the slide back to the days of state institutions? 

New Hampshire businesses are quite varied throughout the state. We have the neighborhood mom & pop types to big corporations. Some of these corporations include Planet Fitness,Sig Sauer, C & S Wholesale Grocers, BAE Systems to name but a few. HB 155 is a bill aimed at REDUCING the amount of taxes paid by these large corporations. Which means, if passed, the state’s revenue will DECREASE annually by $26 million. When the wealthy pay less, guess who pays more? 

Here's how it will come into play . . .

• Reduces the Business Enterprise Tax from 0.55% to 0.50%
• Reduces state revenue by roughly $26 million per year beginning in 2027
• Cities and towns will be forced to pay higher property taxes
• It will be harder to fund new housing, road maintenance and keep communities safe
• Benefits the wealthiest corporations 

Fun facts: Approximately 1% of NH businesses pay the lion’s share of that tax and for the last 10 years, NH legislators consistently cut business taxes resulting in a revenue loss between $795 million and $1.17 billion.

That is revenue that could have gone for mental health services, more affordable housing and child care rather than benefitting big, wealthy corporations, some of which have headquarters in other states. These cuts were never meant to help small businesses, they were meant to benefit the wealthy and those who are well connected. When NH loses revenue, cities and towns get less support for schools, roads, and services. And we all know what that means, property taxes go up! 

Fun fact: NH has the third-highest property taxes in the nation.

What HB 155 doesn’t do is invest in our communities, lower prices, or create jobs. Instead, it shifts millions away from local services and gives it to the corporate CEOs. Services that could benefit families already struggling from rising costs.

Should HB 155 pass, cities and towns will face larger class sizes, delayed road repairs, higher tuition, higher health care costs, child care centers closing, reduced mental health services and increased property taxes. Instead, big corporations receive a tax cut they didn’t even ask for. 

Who did this? Who thought higher property taxes was just what the average, struggling NH family needed? Rep. Joe Sweeney, Rep. Jason Osborne, Rep. Joe Alexander, and Rep. Ross Berry all members of the extremist groups Liberty Alliance and/or Free Staters. This proposed bill is their latest effort in a long-term plan to shrink state revenue and place the costs onto the rest of us. Instead of investing in solutions, these extremist legislators repeatedly chose to defund the state with business tax cuts.

This combination, which can’t be stated enough, has created:

• Higher property taxes
• Underfunded schools
• An inability to address affordable housing
• Health and Child care underfunded
• Mental health and workforce shortages

Business tax cuts will only make it worse. So, what can you do? Send an email to your representative(s) letting them know of your concern and displeasure about this terrible bill. You can also email the sponsors letting them know of your concern and displeasure.

Joe.Alexander@gc.nh.gov
Ross.Berry@gc.nh.gov
Jason.Osborne@gc.nh.gov
Joe.Sweeney@gc.nh.com

We all have a voice. Let’s be heard!

The US Census Bureau conducts a census every ten years counting every resident in the United States which provides data about the nation’s people and economy. The most recent census was in 2020. The next one will take place in 2030.

We have recently seen mid-decade redistricting shenanigans going on in the country, specifically Texas and California. The states of Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Missouri and New York are all in the “considering” stage. And now it appears New Hampshire has decided to join in the fun! While mid-decade redistricting is not illegal per the US Constitution or federal law, it is a state specific action. Some states ban the practice of mid-decade redistricting, other states permit it under certain conditions.

In NH it is legal to hold mid-decade redistricting, with that authority being held by the legislature. In 2022, the legislature and Gov. Sununu were unable to agree on a new district map. Enter the NH Supreme Court who put one in place and that’s what we have now and should have until the next redistricting in 2030. What’s notable is the current court implemented map has a difference of just one person between the two districts. 

HB 1300 is being proposed by Sen. Dan Innis-Bradford, a member of the extremist group Liberty Alliance, and Rep. Aidan Ankarberg-Rochester. Keeping in mind that the main reason of redistricting is to keep the population in each district as equal as possible, this proposal would raise that difference to 53 people. Additionally, this new proposal would put the state's three largest cities, Concord, Manchester and Nashua into one district, turning two currently competitive districts into one that would be safely blue and the other safely red. Where’s the competition and accountability in that?

If passed, this would allow politicians to choose their voters ahead of important elections, rather than VOTERS choosing their elected officials. Even Gov. Ayotte is not really on board with this idea.

This is where all of you come in. Send an email to your state representatives urging them NOT to pursue this form of gerrymandering. You can also contact the members of the Election Law Committee and tell them the same thing. Clicking on a committee name gives you their contact information.

The next Session begins just after the new year. There will be a lot more “calls to action” as we work together to preserve our democracy!

“Democracy requires constant vigilance to ensure that power does not become concentrated in the hands of a few.” 
James Madison

English immigrants had set sail in 1620 for an area near the Hudson River but arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts instead. There they depended on the goodwill and assistance of Native Americans, the Wampanoags and their Chief, Massasoit. The English immigrants were taught vital skills such as how to prepare for harsh weather conditions and cultivating the land. They learned how to grow corn, beans, squash; how to fish and hunt local wildlife. 

That first winter claimed the lives of almost half the number of original immigrants. In Nov. 1621, having already formed an alliance together, the English immigrants and the Wampanoag tribe held a three day feast in celebration of a successful harvest. 

It wasn’t until Pres. Abraham Lincoln, in 1863, proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday. His declaration was partly an effort to unite the country during a time of deep division (Civil War). He designated the last Thurs. of Nov. a day of Thanksgiving and praise, solidifying this day of thanks with a place in American tradition, promoting a nationwide sense of unity and gratitude.

Which brings us to modern day immigration.

Human Rights Day is annually observed on Dec. 10th., commemorating the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

International Migrants Day is annually observed on Dec. 18th, recognizing and celebrating the diversity of migrant communities worldwide. It highlights the importance of supporting the rights and dignity of all migrants and refugees, no matter their backgrounds or reasons for migration.

From Dec. 10th through Dec. 18th, in the spirit of that 1621 Thanksgiving, people across the country are coming together to demand dignity, safety, and freedom for all. There are organized rallies denouncing immigration raids, detention, and deportation, while affirming everyone’s right to safety, belonging, and justice.

Here in Keene, there will be a peaceful rally on Sat. Dec. 13th from 12-1 on Central Square. On Thurs. Dec. 18th from 12-1 there will be a peaceful rally outside of Cheshire County Courthouse. There has been information recently publicized about the presence of ICE in our community. https://www.keenesentinel.com/news/local/troy-nh-police-making-immigration-arrests-under-agreement-with-feds/article_bb458eef-2c98-4c39-a68e-f39f1da85b14.html

Immigrants make our communities stronger, they should not have to live in a culture of fear. Stronger With Immigrants Week of Action | American Friends Service Committee

Friends of Democracy NH, and members of the New Hampshire Democrat House Caucus are organizing a Mitten, Hat, Glove, Scarf drive. Clean socks and coats will also be accepted. New or gently used items are greatly appreciated. 

We are asking that collections be completed by Mon., Dec. 15th. Contact your House Representative to coordinate pick-up or drop-off time(s). These donations will be taken to the State House on Dec. 17th as NH’s legislature will be in Session then for Veto Day. (For those who don’t know what this is about, just click on the link.) 

On that day, donations from around the state will be gathered, sorted and sent back to all 10 counties for use by our NH residents. Perhaps you are attending or hosting a holiday gathering in the next week or two. Ask attendees to bring a donation of their own. Maybe you can get a quick word out for donations to your place of worship or organizations you belong to. Remember to have all items ready for pick-up or drop-off by Dec. 15th.

Thank you in advance for taking a moment to help others around our state. And please share this information with friends and family.